Guns, Karts, and Steam

An enormous variety of powered vehicles is covered in the 620s. Students can read about almost every kind of transportation available in books that discuss movement using everything from pedal power to jet propulsion. Some of these series focus on the allure and excitement of the vehicles, while the military titles discuss usage and other history.

Gr 2-3–Clark has done a fine job of including meaningful content in a limited space. Each title consists of 10 two-page chapters printed in a font of an inviting size. Full-page photos–all color except one vintage photograph–with informative captions face two-paragraph text blocks. Planes features one of the best explanations of aerodynamics seen in this genre at this level, and Cars and Motorcycles achieve the same when discussing the internal combustion engine. Vocabulary is appropriate, even using the word “traction” when necessary, whereas most current series prefer to use the word “grip” instead. Brief mention is made of how manufacturers of each kind of vehicle are attempting to improve the environment by becoming greener. Well-written conclusions finish this series. These quality texts will make readers feel they have learned something.

Gr 3-6–The four-page chapters in these titles cover topics such as “”Fighter and Attack Jets” (Air Warfare), “Supplying Soldiers” (Land Warfare), and “Forces at Sea” (Sea Warfare). The pages are inviting, with a small amount of double-columned print and abundant white space. The featured armament in each chapter is displayed in well-labeled photographs, but the colors in some are dull. “In Their Own Words” boxes contain quotations from various military personnel, and “Did You Know“ fact boxes are liberally sprinkled throughout. The writing is so simplistic that, particularly in Land Warfare and Sea Warfare, some of the material does not make sense. For example, in referring to aircraft carriers, the latter book states that “The ships go anywhere in the world so the planes never run out of fuel.” A photo in the same title shows planes with wings folded parked on the flight deck, but the text indicates that they are stored below in the hanger deck. The other two titles do not contain glaring mis-statements, but the entire series is marred by short, choppy sentences; redundant captions; and abrupt endings.

Gr 2-4–Vocabulary in these titles is generally appropriate, but some words appear to be arbitrarily selected for the glossary. The texts that use the term “emergency situation” define “emergency,” but not “situation,” for example. The titles also lack attention to detail. Soap is not used to make firefighting foam (Fire Truck). The word “crew” is used as a plural noun, when it is singular. The chapter spreads are liberally illustrated with eye-catching color photographs that usually occupy full pages or are centered across the spread, though some are smaller. Many–the photo of a London vehicle in Police Car, for example–are international in nature. Captions usually relate to the text. Each title concludes with an activity page that includes a writing exercise. Marginal purchases.

Gr 5-9–Written with reluctant readers in mind, these titles devote two pages each to subtopics such as “Getting Started” (Speedboat Racers), “History: From Dirt Bumps to Monster Jumps” (Dirt Bike Racers), and “Best of the Best” (BMX Racers). The first sentences of each chapter and the subtopic headings are printed in red. Content is surprisingly good given that most paragraphs consist of no more than four sentences; vocabulary is controlled, but not limited to the point of simplicity. Racing and safety tips and additional information are highlighted on a yellow background at the end of each chapter. Quarter- to half-page color photos (many are action shots) add to the texts. Printed in red on white or black on red, the captions are usually informative. The authors focus on the activity and the excitement of the sports. None of the titles has a conclusion, but these are adequate introductions.

Gr 7-9–Military buffs will be delighted with this series, which could also serve as a reference work. The chronologically arranged titles devote a page to each weapon. A large-font title at the top of the page is followed by a one- or two-sentence statement concerning the subject's place in history, and is usually followed by a list that includes country of origin, crew, type, launch date and displacement (in Warships), range, and weight. The narratives describe why and when the type of vehicle was created, its advantages and disadvantages, when and where it served, countries that may have purchased or license-built it, and when it was removed from service. Each entry contains a detailed two-dimensional color drawing and black-and-white or color photo of the featured vehicle (sometimes, in the case of ships, photos portray a sister vessel); both are accompanied by extensive captions. Warships has a problem with a couple of questionable dates. The only general criticism of this series is that the text is crowded as there is often no space between sentences. Back matter includes a listing of memorials and museums and an excellent further-reading list. A first purchase where the subject is popular.

Gr 5-8–Speed, daring, and power are just the ticket for thrill-seeking readers. An action-packed first chapter introduces the topic of each title, while the next chapter covers the development and history of the sport, mentioning well-known individuals of past and present. The final two chapters concentrate on the current trends in vehicle design and modification. The wide, single-column narratives are printed on a variety of background colors, and chapter headings are white on black boxes, while subtopics are printed in yellow on black. Unfamiliar terms appear in bold-faced red and are defined at the foot of the page in stylized racing flames. “Fast fact” boxes provide extra tidbits throughout. The texts, which stress safety, are liberally illustrated with close-up and action-filled color photos and vintage black-and-white ones where appropriate. Indy Cars, Dirt Bikes, Choppers, and Monster Trucks have charts listing general statistics (e.g., top speed, engine size, type of fuel, and type of tire). The only discernable question about this series concerns Dragsters. It is unclear as to how the top fueler gets its name from its fuel, nitromethane. Also, the book describes how drivers' reaction times are used to break competitive ties, but reaction to what is not explained. All of the titles have some redundant captions. Overall, though, these titles are worth serious consideration.

Gr 2-3–Striking close-up photos of these powerful machines are not enough to salvage these texts. Vocabulary is limited, as is content. Most readers will already know that “strong” (meaning powerful) engines help the machines “go fast” (a fact mentioned in each title) and that the driver controls where the motorcycle goes. It is debatable that most commercial jets are wide body planes, as stated in Jets. The same book's glossary defines “narrow body” as “skinny, not wide.” Aircraft engineers would be surprised to learn that they “build and fix jet engines.” Military jets are mentioned in passing, and freight-hauling jets are omitted entirely. Motorcycles and Speedboats do not have as many questionable statements. They just don't say anything. The other three titles in this series were not available for review.

Several of these series–Capstone's “Full Throttle,” Enslow's “Kid Racers,” and Rosen's “101 Greatest Weapons of All Times”–convey coherent thoughts and accurate, enjoyable information without compromising content. Vocabulary, content, and illustrations combine to make each of them desirable choices that will find many fans among older readers. However, QEB's “QEB Emergency Vehicles,” Creative Education's “Now That's Fast” and Gareth Stevens's “Modern Warfare” have mechanical problems and should be recalled.